In the dynamic landscape of mental health advocacy, Dr. Leeshe N. Grimes stands out as a change agent and a dedicated psychotherapist committed to breaking barriers surrounding mental health. As the CEO/Founder of Elevated Minds, she provides essential mental health services in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) area, prioritizing accessibility for low-income Black and Brown communities. With over a decade of experience in the mental health counseling field, Dr. Grimes leads initiatives and forms partnerships to address the stigma surrounding mental health, focusing particularly on misdiagnosing Black children and ensuring culturally competent care for marginalized communities.
- Can you share your journey and what motivated you to become a psychotherapist and establish Elevated Minds?
Becoming a psychotherapist and establishing Elevated Minds really stems from my passion for understanding the human mind and helping people navigate this journey of living and lead a more fulfilling life. From a young age, I found myself intrigued by why people think, feel, and behave the way they do. Joining the United States Army deepened this passion. From my childhood to deploying to combat I saw the way life experiences caused pain that wasn’t physically seen. I witnessed firsthand the profound impact that therapy can have on individuals’ lives. Whether it was helping someone overcome trauma, manage anxiety, or navigate relationship challenges, I saw how therapy provided a safe space for healing and growth. Motivated by these experiences and driven by a desire to make a positive difference in the lives of others, I decided to pursue further education and training in psychotherapy. Elevated Minds is founded on the belief that everyone has the capacity for growth and change, and our mission is to help individuals tap into their inherent strengths to overcome life’s challenges.
- Your research interests include misdiagnosing Black children in mental health. How can the mental health profession address and rectify this issue, and what role does cultural competence play in the process?
Addressing and rectifying the issue of misdiagnosing Black children in mental health is crucial for ensuring equitable and effective care for all individuals. Mental health professionals need comprehensive training in cultural competence to understand the diverse backgrounds and experiences of their clients, including those from Black communities. This training should include education on the cultural, historical, and systemic factors that impact mental health outcomes for Black children and families.
Increasing the representation of Black and other marginalized mental health professionals is essential for providing culturally responsive care. Mental health professionals should actively engage with Black communities to understand their unique needs, challenges, and preferences regarding mental health care.
Recognizing and addressing the impact of systemic racism, discrimination, and historical trauma is essential in working with Black children and families. Mental health professionals must engage in ongoing critical reflection and anti-bias training to examine their own biases and assumptions that may influence clinical judgment and decision-making. Lastly utilizing culturally adapted assessment tools and evidence-based interventions that are sensitive to the cultural context of Black children and families can help improve diagnostic accuracy and treatment outcomes.
- Being a change agent in mental health, what initiatives have you led or participated in to break down the barriers surrounding mental health, especially in low-income communities?
As a change agent in mental health, I’ve been involved in various initiatives aimed at breaking down barriers surrounding mental health, particularly in low-income communities. Some of these initiatives include:
Pro Bono Services: I’ve volunteered my time to provide pro bono therapy services to individuals in low-income communities who may not have access to affordable mental health care. This helps reduce financial barriers and ensures that everyone has access to the support they need, regardless of their socioeconomic status.
Advocacy and Policy Change: I’ve been involved in advocacy efforts aimed at addressing systemic barriers to mental health care access in low-income communities. I’m currently commissioned by the Governor in Maryland and Department of Health on the Health Equity and Policy commission; which we aim to get rid of systemic racism in the medical field and create more access for marginalized individuals.
School-Based Mental Health Programs: I’ve been involved in developing and implementing school-based mental health programs in low-income areas, providing students with access to counseling services, psychoeducation, and support groups. By addressing mental health needs early and within the school setting, we can promote positive outcomes for students and their families.
Collaboration with Community Organizations: I’ve collaborated with local community organizations, such as nonprofit agencies, social service providers, and advocacy groups, to identify and address mental health needs within low-income communities.
Community Outreach Programs: I’ve led and participated in community outreach programs that bring mental health resources and education directly to low-income communities. This may involve hosting workshops, support groups, or informational sessions in community centers, schools, or churches to raise awareness about mental health and available services.
Cultural Competence Training for Providers: I’ve facilitated cultural competence training for mental health providers working in low-income communities to help them better understand the unique needs and experiences of the populations they serve. This training includes education on cultural humility, implicit bias, and strategies for providing culturally responsive care.
- As an advocate for mental health awareness, how do you emphasize the importance of mental health being just as crucial as physical health, and how do you address the stigma associated with seeking therapy?
Emphasizing the importance of mental health as being just as crucial as physical health involves raising awareness and promoting a cultural shift in how society views and values mental well-being. One of the main ways I am able to achieve this is by being a Co-Owner of Profusion Gym in Upper Marlboro MD. Profusion Gym mission is to cultivate self-love through mental and physical fitness and our community. Our goal at Profusion is comprehensive wellness.
I engage in educational initiatives and public awareness campaigns to highlight the interconnectedness of mental and physical health. I always inform others that going to therapy doesn’t mean something is wrong with you but instead you want to receive better outcomes. This may involve sharing information about the impact of mental health on overall well-being, as well as dispelling myths and misconceptions surrounding mental illness. I promote open and honest conversations about mental health in everyday settings, such as at home, in the workplace, or on social media. By normalizing discussions about emotions, stress, and coping strategies, we can create a more supportive environment where seeking therapy is seen as a proactive and healthy choice.
- You specialize in providing culturally competent care. Can you share some insights into the challenges and rewards of tailoring mental health services to diverse populations, including military, LGBTQ, and families?
Providing culturally competent care involves understanding and respecting the unique backgrounds, identities, and experiences of diverse populations, including military personnel, LGBTQ individuals, and families. Here are some insights into the challenges and rewards of tailoring mental health services to these groups:
Military Personnel:
Challenges:
- Military culture often emphasizes strength, resilience, and self-reliance, which can create barriers to seeking help for mental health concerns.
- Deployment, combat exposure, and other traumatic experiences may contribute to high rates of PTSD, depression, and other mental health disorders among service members.
- Military families may face additional stressors related to frequent relocations, separation from loved ones during deployments, and challenges accessing mental health services.
Rewards:
- Providing mental health services within the military community allows for a deep understanding of the unique stressors and experiences faced by service members and their families.
- Supporting military personnel in overcoming stigma and seeking help for mental health concerns can have a profound impact on their well-being and readiness.
- Collaborating with military organizations and support networks can help ensure holistic and coordinated care for service members and their families.
LGBTQ Individuals:
- Challenges:
- LGBTQ individuals may face discrimination, stigma, and rejection from family members or communities, which can negatively impact mental health.
- Limited access to affirming and knowledgeable mental health providers who understand the specific needs and challenges faced by LGBTQ individuals.
- Intersectional identities, such as being a person of color or transgender, may compound experiences of discrimination and marginalization.
Rewards:
- Providing affirming and inclusive mental health services can create a safe and supportive environment for LGBTQ individuals to explore their identities and address mental health concerns.
- Building trust and rapport with LGBTQ clients through culturally competent care can lead to positive therapeutic outcomes and increased self-acceptance.
- Advocating for LGBTQ-affirming policies and practices within mental health organizations can contribute to systemic change and greater inclusivity.
Families:
- Challenges:
- Family dynamics, cultural beliefs, and intergenerational trauma may influence how mental health issues are perceived and addressed within families.
- Balancing the needs and perspectives of individual family members while promoting healthy communication and boundaries can be complex.
- Socioeconomic factors, such as poverty or housing instability, may exacerbate family stressors and impact access to mental health services.
Rewards:
- Supporting families in navigating challenges and strengthening relationships can have a ripple effect on individual and collective well-being.
- Empowering families to identify and build on their strengths while addressing areas of concern can promote resilience and positive outcomes.
- Collaborating with community resources and support networks can provide families with holistic and comprehensive care that addresses their unique needs.
In summary, tailoring mental health services to diverse populations requires sensitivity, cultural humility, and a commitment to understanding and addressing the unique challenges and strengths of each group. While there are inherent challenges in providing culturally competent care, the rewards of fostering healing, resilience, and empowerment within these communities are immeasurable.
- In addition to your role as a psychotherapist, you are also an entrepreneur. What challenges and opportunities have you encountered in establishing and running Elevated Minds, and what advice would you give to those aspiring to enter the mental health field as entrepreneurs?
Establishing and running Elevated Minds has been an incredibly rewarding journey, but like any entrepreneurial endeavor, it has come with its share of challenges and opportunities. Here are some insights into what I’ve encountered:
Challenges:
1. Navigating Regulations and Compliance: Establishing a mental health practice requires compliance with various regulations and licensing requirements, which can be complex and time-consuming to navigate.
2. Building a Client Base: Attracting clients and building a steady stream of referrals takes time and effort, especially in the competitive mental health industry. It requires effective marketing strategies and networking within the community.
3. Managing Finances: Balancing the financial aspects of running a business, such as setting fees, managing expenses, and ensuring sufficient cash flow, can be challenging, particularly in the early stages.
4. Maintaining Work-Life Balance: As an entrepreneur, it’s easy to become consumed by the demands of running a business. Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is essential for preventing burnout and sustaining long-term success.
Opportunities
1. Flexibility and Autonomy: As an entrepreneur, you have the freedom to design your practice according to your values and vision. This flexibility allows you to create a practice that aligns with your professional goals and personal preferences.
2. Innovative Approaches to Care: Entrepreneurship in the mental health field provides opportunities to innovate and develop new approaches to care that address unmet needs or gaps in existing services.
3. Community Impact: Establishing a mental health practice allows you to make a meaningful impact in your community by providing much-needed support and resources to individuals and families.
4. Professional Growth and Development: Running a business presents opportunities for continuous learning and growth, both personally and professionally. From honing your clinical skills to developing leadership and management abilities, entrepreneurship offers a platform for ongoing development.
Advice for Aspiring Mental Health Entrepreneurs
1. Clarify Your Vision and Values: Before starting your practice, take the time to clarify your vision and values. What do you hope to achieve through your business, and what guiding principles will inform your approach to care?
2. Invest in Professional Development: Stay current with developments in the field of mental health and entrepreneurship by investing in ongoing education and professional development opportunities.
3. Build a Support Network: Surround yourself with mentors, colleagues, and advisors who can offer guidance and support as you navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship.
4. Embrace Resilience: Building a successful practice takes time and perseverance. Embrace resilience and be prepared to adapt to challenges and setbacks along the way.
5. Prioritize Self-Care: Remember to prioritize your own well-being as you build and grow your business. Self-care is essential for maintaining your energy, focus, and effectiveness as a mental health entrepreneur.
Overall, entrepreneurship in the mental health field offers a unique opportunity to make a positive impact while pursuing your professional goals and aspirations. By embracing the challenges and opportunities that come with running a business, you can create a practice that not only thrives but also contributes to the well-being of others.
